Hard work sees big improvements at Newstead Primary

STAFF and children at Newstead Primary school were celebrating after Ofsted inspectors found big improvements during a recent inspection.

Good student progress, better than average attendance and hard work from staff and pupils helped boost the school’s overall Ofsted rating to ‘good’.

Peter Stonier, headteacher for the Hucknall Road school, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the recent Ofsted report.

“The school was judged to be ‘satisfactory’ three years ago and so now to be judged as ‘good’ overall is obviously very pleasing. The staff are so dedicated, hard working and enthusiastic.

“I would like to thank them as well as the children, parents and Governors for all their efforts. Well done to all.”

Inspectors noted pupils’ good behaviour and said the children’s work had reached average levels despite low starting points.

The inspectors’ report reads: “(The school) takes the words from its logo to heart: ‘Aim High’, and is effective in raising pupils’ aspirations.

“From starting points which are below national expectations, pupils progress well so that by the time they leave, their standards are in line with those found nationally in English and mathematics.”

Ofsted found the school had improved in areas inspectors picked up on during their last visit.

“Pupils, from the Early Years Foundation Stage onwards, are exposed to a wide variety of vocabulary, and given regular opportunities to practise their reading and writing skills.

“Standards in mathematics are now higher, and pupils develop problem-solving skills well.”

“Teachers make use of everything they know about pupils to help them match work to their needs and challenge them appropriately. Leaders now monitor and evaluate the work of the school more rigorously.

The school, therefore, has good capacity to improve further.”

Areas the inspectors noted for improvement included:

Pupils should be challenged to reach higher attainment in English and maths

There should be more opportunities for pupils to find out about how people live in places other than their village. Links could be set up with other schools.